details of how much money you have coming in each week, such as from a pension

details of any savings and investments you have

your housing costs, such as rent or mortgage repayments

information about any benefit payments you receive

If you live with a partner you’ll need to give the Pension Service the same information about them.

You’ll also need to provide information of anyone else living with you such as details about any benefits they’re receiving. You won’t need to give detail about their income.

Claiming your Pension Credit

When you’ve gathered all the information you need, call the Pension Service and tell them you want to claim Pension Credit.

Pension Credit claim line

Telephone: 0800 99 1234

Textphone: 0800 169 0133

Monday to Friday, 8am to 7:30pm

Ask for your Pension Credit to be backdated when you apply.

Pension Credit can be backdated for up to 3 months before you apply if you were eligible during that time. This means you'll get up to 3 months of Pension Credit included in your first payment.

If the Pension Service have all the information they need they can sometimes make a decision on your claim and put payments in place straight away. If they need more information they’ll send you a form to fill in.

If you need to give the Pension Service more information

Sometimes the Pension Service will need more information to make a decision about your claim. For example, they might ask for proof of identity or for more details about your income.

You’ll need to send what they’ve asked for within a month of being asked for it. If you need more time, you’ll need to contact the Pension Service and explain why.

If you don't have a bank account

Extra help while you're getting Pension Credit

You might be entitled to Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction if you get Pension Credit. You’ll also be able to get help with the cost of court fees and, if your partner is under 60 and you’re receiving Guarantee Credit, they’ll get free prescriptions.